Across Western and Southwestern Sydney, older women are increasingly at risk of housing stress and experience long waits for secure, affordable homes. Stronger Together, a new shared social housing program, is designed to respond differently, not only by improving access to housing, but by addressing the isolation that often comes with it.
By taking a connection-first approach and supporting women to form households before moving in, the program creates pathways to stability, dignity and belonging from the outset.
Caitlin, Project Coordinator at Women’s Housing Company, says the program will radically change how women experience the journey into housing.
“Stronger Together is an innovative shared social housing program for older women across Western and Southwestern Sydney that offers a faster pathway into stable, long-term housing and reduced wait times,” she says.
“By taking a connection-first approach, supporting women to form households before securing a home, it not only delivers housing, but also builds community, dignity and belonging.”
Shared housing is central to the model, offering both practical and social benefits.
“Shared housing is a powerful model because it significantly improves affordability during a cost-of-living crisis, enabling single older women to access larger, higher-quality homes in lower-density areas that would otherwise be out of reach,” continues Caitlin.
“It also reduces living costs through shared utilities while enhancing safety, connection and overall wellbeing by fostering a supportive household environment.”
Caitlin says the recent launch of the first shared home marks an important milestone for the program and Women’s Housing Company.
“Stronger Together reflects our commitment to quality housing and support by securing safe, well-located homes that enable long-term stability and dignity for older women.
“Just as importantly, it embeds a choice-led approach, ensuring women are supported not only into housing, but into households and communities where they can feel safe, respected and able to thrive. We work in partnership with them, co-designing and shaping the program together, so it reflects their needs, strengths and lived experience as it evolves.”
At its core, Caitlin says Stronger Together is about rebuilding independence through connection.
“Stronger Together supports women to strengthen independence and connection by focusing on the final stage of recovery (reintegration), creating safe spaces for women to articulate their needs, understand their rights and define what ‘home’ looks like for them.”
By centring choice and prioritising relationships before properties, Caitlin says the program empowers women to advocate for themselves while building meaningful, supportive connections within their household.
Looking ahead, Caitlin sees the pilot as an important step forward in learning and innovation, something Women’s Housing Company actively encourages and prioritises as we continue our long-standing work in this sector.
“In the spirit of the pilot, we hope Stronger Together becomes a meaningful learning opportunity,” she says. “It has the capacity to inform more innovative and responsive housing pathways for older women.”
Ultimately, Stronger Together shows that when housing is built around connection, women are better supported to achieve lasting stability and wellbeing.
“Empowering women through housing means building genuine connection, because a house becomes a home through community, safety and a sense of belonging,” says Caitlin.
“These foundations enable women not just to secure housing, but to live well and sustain their tenancies, which is central to making experiences of homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.
“The opportunity to walk alongside women as they reconnect and rebuild in a stable home is incredibly meaningful.”
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